Grand-Am names ALMS veteran official Paul Walter as race director

Grand-Am Road Racing on Jan. 3 announced that veteran road-racing official Paul Walter is the organization's new race director, effective immediately. Grand-Am managing director of racing operations Mark Raffauf, who formerly served as Grand-Am's race director, will now focus on operational and logistical aspects. He will continue to report to Grand-Am managing director of competition, Richard Buck.

"This is a prime example of using our combined resources to make things happen and build for the future," Buck said. "Paul brings considerable experience and respect, and will serve as a great bridge in the competition area between Grand-Am and the ALMS."

Concurrent with his ongoing stint at the ALMS, Walter has been the race director for the USF2000 open-wheel series since January 2010. He will act as competition director for USF2000 and the Pro Mazda Championship at nonconflicting events during the upcoming season.

He also served as operations manager for Tasman Motorsports Group/Forsythe Racing in the Izod IndyCar Series from 1996-2001. Additionally, Walter was race director of the Formula BMW Series from 2005-2009; operating steward of the ALMS from 2008-2010; chief steward at Historic Motorsports Productions for the 2011 season; clerk of the course for the inaugural U.S. round of the World Touring Car Championship at Sonoma (Calif.) Raceway last September; and deputy clerk of the course for the inaugural Formula One event in November at Circuit of the Americas near Austin, Texas.

"I'm honored to join Grand-Am for this landmark 2013 season," Walter said. "As everyone at Grand-Am and the American Le Mans Series work together in preparation for the future of professional sports-car racing, we have an unprecedented opportunity to share insights and ideas. I'm looking forward to being part of that."